editorial

Dear Reader,

Experiential incentive trips are here to stay! They serve as the perfect opportunity for employees to bond with colleagues while discovering new destinations, cultures, and cuisines. Incentives help keep employees motivated, adding freshness and zest to their ideas. But, how do you get the right answer to the perpetual question of where to go? While budget tops the list of important influencers, connectivity, hotel facilities, visa processes, language barriers, and vegetarian food options are not far behind. India has plenty to offer, but its Southeast Asian neighbours are equally well-equipped. An added advantage that the latter holds is the ‘brag factor’ that comes with a foreign trip.

Southeast Asia, for centuries, has been at the crossroads of trade routes between India and China as well as the Far East and Europe. Welcoming and interacting with overseas visitors has been part of the social fabric of the region for generations and this has grown further in the different options it offers for MiCE. In our feature, we analyse the pros and cons of both choices.

An important segment that fuels the business of MiCE is that of corporates. Different corporates have different expectations from an incentive or an event, and that’s where the catch lies. It becomes increasingly essential for MiCE agents to deliver on each requirement of the corporate client or risk the chance of losing the big bucks! Creativity, innovation, and the will to go the extra mile for a client can seal a deal, especially for vendors like hotels and airlines. Through this edition, we try and uncover what corporates really look for and how best to please them.

We also delve on social etiquette at international events. Our counsellor, Shivani Misri Sadhoo, shares some tips on how best to conduct oneself at an international conference or event. In a different section, Shital Kakkar Mehra, our etiquette expert, gives us quick pointers on drinking wine with style at social gatherings and not being hesitant while selecting and ordering.

Keep reading and giving your feedback to us at: micetalk@ddppl.com